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Klockgether T, Synofzik M. Consensus Recommendations for Clinical Outcome Assessments and Registry Development in Ataxias: Ataxia Global Initiative (AGI) Working Group Expert Guidance. Cerebellum 2023:10.1007/s12311-023-01547-z. [PMID: 37020147 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01547-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
To accelerate and facilitate clinical trials, the Ataxia Global Initiative (AGI) was established as a worldwide research platform for trial readiness in ataxias. One of AGI's major goals is the harmonization and standardization of outcome assessments. Clinical outcome assessments (COAs) that describe or reflect how a patient feels or functions are indispensable for clinical trials, but similarly important for observational studies and in routine patient care. The AGI working group on COAs has defined a set of data including a graded catalog of COAs that are recommended as a standard for future assessment and sharing of clinical data and joint clinical studies. Two datasets were defined: a mandatory dataset (minimal dataset) that can ideally be obtained during a routine clinical consultation and a more demanding extended dataset that is useful for research purposes. In the future, the currently most widely used clinician-reported outcome measure (ClinRO) in ataxia, the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA), should be developed into a generally accepted instrument that can be used in upcoming clinical trials. Furthermore, there is an urgent need (i) to obtain more data on ataxia-specific, patient-reported outcome measures (PROs), (ii) to demonstrate and optimize sensitivity to change of many COAs, and (iii) to establish methods and evidence of anchoring change in COAs in patient meaningfulness, e.g., by determining patient-derived minimally meaningful thresholds of change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg-Campus, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Division Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Neurology, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
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Keita M, McIntyre K, Rodden LN, Schadt K, Lynch DR. Friedreich ataxia: clinical features and new developments. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2022; 12:267-283. [PMID: 35766110 PMCID: PMC9517959 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2022-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by ataxia and other neurological features, affects 1 in 50,000-100,000 individuals in the USA. However, FRDA also includes cardiac, orthopedic and endocrine dysfunction, giving rise to many secondary disease characteristics. The multifaceted approach for clinical care has necessitated the development of disease-specific clinical care guidelines. New developments in FRDA include the advancement of clinical drug trials targeting the NRF2 pathway and frataxin restoration. Additionally, a novel understanding of gene silencing in FRDA, reflecting a variegated silencing pattern, will have applications to current and future therapeutic interventions. Finally, new perspectives on the neuroanatomy of FRDA and its developmental features will refine the time course and anatomical targeting of novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medina Keita
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kellie McIntyre
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Layne N Rodden
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kim Schadt
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by insufficient levels of the essential mitochondrial protein frataxin. It is a severely debilitating disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected patients and reduces their life expectancy, however, an adequate cure is not yet available for patients. Frataxin function, although not thoroughly elucidated, is associated with assembly of iron-sulfur cluster and iron metabolism, therefore insufficient frataxin levels lead to reduced activity of many mitochondrial enzymes involved in the electron transport chain, impaired mitochondrial metabolism, reduced ATP production and inefficient anti-oxidant response. As a consequence, neurons progressively die and patients progressively lose their ability to coordinate movement and perform daily activities. Therapeutic strategies aim at restoring sufficient frataxin levels or at correcting some of the downstream consequences of frataxin deficiency. However, the classical pathways of drug discovery are challenging, require a significant amount of resources and time to reach the final approval, and present a high failure rate. Drug repositioning represents a viable alternative to boost the identification of a therapy, particularly for rare diseases where resources are often limited. In this review we will describe recent efforts aimed at the identification of a therapy for Friedreich ataxia through drug repositioning, and discuss the limitation of such strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Rufini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Fratagene Therapeutics, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandra Rufini,
| | - Florence Malisan
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Condò
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Testi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Fratagene Therapeutics, Rome, Italy
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Motley W, Chaudry V, Lloyd TE. Treatment and Management of Hereditary Neuropathies. Neuromuscul Disord 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-71317-7.00014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Jain P, Badgujar L, Spoorendonk J, Buesch K. Clinical evidence of interventions assessed in Friedreich ataxia: a systematic review. Ther Adv Rare Dis 2022; 3:26330040221139872. [PMID: 37180421 PMCID: PMC10032438 DOI: 10.1177/26330040221139872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The rare inherited autosomal recessive disease Friedreich ataxia (FA) causes progressive neurodegenerative changes and disability in patients. A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out to understand and summarize the published efficacy and safety of therapeutic interventions in this disease. Methods Database searches were carried out in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane by two independent reviewers. In addition, trial registries and conference proceedings were hand-searched. Results Thirty-two publications were deemed eligible according to PICOS criteria. Twenty-four publications detail randomized controlled trials. The most frequently identified therapeutic intervention was idebenone (n = 11), followed by recombinant erythropoietin (n = 6), omaveloxolone (n = 3), and amantadine hydrochloride (n = 2). Other therapeutic interventions were investigated in one publication: A0001, CoQ10, creatine, deferiprone, interferon-γ-1b, the L-carnitine levorotatory form of 5-hydroxytryptophan, luvadaxistat, resveratrol, RT001, and vatiquinone (EPI-743). These studies included patients from 8 to 73 years old, and disease duration varied from 4.7 to 19 years. Disease severity as per the mean GAA1 and GAA2 allele repeat length ranged from 350 to 930 and 620 to 987 nucleotides, respectively. Most frequently reported efficacy outcomes were the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS, n = 10), the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (modified FARS and FARS-neuro, n = 12), the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA, n = 7), and the Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL, n = 8). Each of these assesses the severity of disability in FA patients. In many studies, patients with FA deteriorated according to these severity scales regardless of treatment, or inconclusive results were found. Generally, these therapeutic interventions were well-tolerated and safe. Serious adverse events were atrial fibrillation (n = 1), craniocerebral injury (n = 1), and ventricular tachycardia (n = 1). Conclusion Identified literature showed a considerable unmet need for therapeutic interventions that halt or slow the deteriorating nature of FA. Novel efficacious drugs should be investigated that aim to improve symptoms or slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paridhi Jain
- OPEN Health Group, Zenia Building, Hiranandani
Circle, Hiranandani Business Park, Thane, Mumbai 400607, Maharashtra,
India
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Vittori DC, Chamorro ME, Hernández YV, Maltaneri RE, Nesse AB. Erythropoietin and derivatives: Potential beneficial effects on the brain. J Neurochem 2021; 158:1032-1057. [PMID: 34278579 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietin (Epo), the main erythropoiesis-stimulating factor widely prescribed to overcome anemia, is also known nowadays for its cytoprotective action on non-hematopoietic tissues. In this context, Epo showed not only its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, but also its expression in the brain of mammals. In clinical trials, recombinant Epo treatment has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis; improve cognition; and activate antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. These mechanisms, proposed to characterize a neuroprotective property, opened new perspectives on the Epo pharmacological potencies. However, many questions arise about a possible physiological role of Epo in the central nervous system (CNS) and the factors or environmental conditions that induce its expression. Although Epo may be considered a strong candidate to be used against neuronal damage, long-term treatments, particularly when high Epo doses are needed, may induce thromboembolic complications associated with increases in hematocrit and blood viscosity. To avoid these adverse effects, different Epo analogs without erythropoietic activity but maintaining neuroprotection ability are currently being investigated. Carbamylated erythropoietin, as well as alternative molecules like Epo fusion proteins and partial peptides of Epo, seems to match this profile. This review will focus on the discussion of experimental evidence reported in recent years linking erythropoietin and CNS function through investigations aimed at finding benefits in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, it will review the proposed mechanisms for novel derivatives which may clarify and, eventually, improve the neuroprotective action of Epo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C Vittori
- Department of Biological Chemistry, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Institute of Biological Chemistry (IQUIBICEN), School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María E Chamorro
- Department of Biological Chemistry, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Institute of Biological Chemistry (IQUIBICEN), School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yender V Hernández
- Department of Biological Chemistry, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Institute of Biological Chemistry (IQUIBICEN), School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina E Maltaneri
- Department of Biological Chemistry, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Institute of Biological Chemistry (IQUIBICEN), School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alcira B Nesse
- Department of Biological Chemistry, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Institute of Biological Chemistry (IQUIBICEN), School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Dang JZ, Tu YF, Wang J, Yang YJ. Carbamylated Erythropoietin Alleviates Kidney Damage in Diabetic Rats by Suppressing Oxidative Stress. Curr Med Sci 2021; 41:513-521. [PMID: 34129202 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-021-2370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The oxidative stress response plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). It has become a new treatment target for DKD. In the current study, the effects of carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO) on renal oxidative stress and damage in diabetic rats were examined. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were intraperitoneally administered with 60 mg/kg streptozotocin to establish the diabetes model. The diabetic rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=6 each): diabetes model group (DM group), DM + CEPO treatment group (DC group), DM + CEPO + EPO receptor (EPOR) blocking peptide treatment group (DCEB group), and DM + CEPO + CD131 blocking peptide treatment group (DCCB group). Meanwhile, a normal control group (NC group, n=6) was set up. Kidney tissues and blood samples were obtained for evaluation of oxidative stress and renal function. The results showed that diabetic rats exhibited increased oxidative stress in the kidney and early pathological changes associated with DKD. Treatment with CEPO reduced oxidative stress and attenuated renal dysfunction. However, diabetic rats treated with the combination of CEPO and EPOR blocking peptide or CD131 blocking peptide showed increased oxidative stress and reduced renal function when compared with CEPO treatment alone group. These results suggested that CEPO can protect against kidney damage in DKD by inhibiting oxidative stress injury via EPOR-CD131 heterodimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Zhong Dang
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Ya-Fang Tu
- Department of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Ying-Jie Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
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Choudhari M, Hejmady S, Narayan Saha R, Damle S, Singhvi G, Alexander A, Kesharwani P, Kumar Dubey S. Evolving new-age strategies to transport therapeutics across the blood-brain-barrier. Int J Pharm 2021; 599:120351. [PMID: 33545286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A basic understanding of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for the novel advancements in targeting drugs specific to the brain. Neoplasm compromising the internal structure of BBB that results in impaired vasculature is called as blood tumor barrier (BTB). Besides, the BBB serves as a chief hindrance to the passage of a drug into the brain parenchyma. The small and hydrophilic drugs majorly display an absence of desired molecular characteristics required to cross the BBB. Furthermore, all classes of biologics have failed in the clinical trials of brain diseases over the past years since these biologics are large molecules that do not cross the BBB. Also, new strategies have been discovered that use the Trojan horse technology with the re-engineered biologics for BBB transport. Thus, this review delivers information about the different grades of tumors (I-IV) i.e. examples of BBB/BTB heterogenicity along with the different mechanisms for transporting the therapeutics into the brain tumors by crossing BBB. This review also provides insights into the emerging approaches of peptide delivery and the non-invasive and brain-specific molecular Trojan horse targeting technologies. Also, the several challenges in the clinical development of BBB penetrating IgG fusion protein have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Choudhari
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Siddhanth Hejmady
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Ranendra Narayan Saha
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Dubai Campus, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shantanu Damle
- Colorcon Asia Pvt. Ltd., Verna Industrial Estate, Verna 403722, Goa, India
| | - Gautam Singhvi
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Amit Alexander
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER GUWAHATI), Department of Pharmaceutical Technology (Formulations), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers, Government of India, Sila Village, Nizsundarighopa, Changsari, Kamrup (R), Guwahati, Assam 781101, India
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Sunil Kumar Dubey
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India; R&D Healthcare Division Emami Ltd., 13, BT Road, Belgharia, Kolkata 700056, India.
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Zesiewicz TA, Hancock J, Ghanekar SD, Kuo SH, Dohse CA, Vega J. Emerging therapies in Friedreich's Ataxia. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:1215-1228. [PMID: 32909841 PMCID: PMC8018609 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1821654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that results in gait and limb ataxia, diabetes, cardiac hypertrophy, and scoliosis. At the cellular level, FRDA results in the deficiency of frataxin, a mitochondrial protein that plays a vital role in iron homeostasis and amelioration of oxidative stress. No cure currently exists for FRDA, but exciting therapeutic developments which target different parts of the pathological cascade are on the horizon. AREAS COVERED Areas covered include past and emerging therapies for FRDA, including antioxidants and mitochondrial-related agents, nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activators, deuterated polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron chelators, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, trans-activator of transcription (TAT)-frataxin, interferon gamma (IFNγ), erythropoietin, resveratrol, gene therapy, and anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs), among others. EXPERT OPINION While drug discovery has been challenging, new and exciting prospective treatments for FRDA are currently on the horizon, including pharmaceutical agents and gene therapy. Agents that enhance mitochondrial function, such as Nrf2 activators, dPUFAs and catalytic antioxidants, as well as novel methods of frataxin augmentation and genetic modulation will hopefully provide treatment for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A. Zesiewicz
- University of South Florida (USF) Department of Neurology, USF Ataxia Research Center, Tampa Florida, James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Joshua Hancock
- University of South Florida (USF) Department of Neurology, USF Ataxia Research Center, Tampa Florida, James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Shaila D. Ghanekar
- University of South Florida (USF) Department of Neurology, USF Ataxia Research Center, Tampa Florida, James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carlos A. Dohse
- Universidad Central Del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
| | - Joshua Vega
- University of South Florida (USF) Department of Neurology, USF Ataxia Research Center, Tampa Florida, James A Haley Veteran’s Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Choi JH, Shin C, Kim HJ, Jeon B. Placebo response in degenerative cerebellar ataxias: a descriptive review of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. J Neurol 2020; 269:62-71. [PMID: 33219422 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Placebo response in degenerative cerebellar ataxias (CAs) has never been studied despite the large number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have been conducted. In this descriptive review, we aimed to examine the placebo response in patients with CAs. We performed a literature search on PubMed for RCTs on CAs that were published from 1977 to January 2020 and collected data on the changes from the baseline to the endpoint on various objective ataxia-associated clinical rating scales. We reviewed 56 clinical trials, finally including 35 parallel-group studies and excluding 21 cross-over studies. The included studies were categorized as follows: (1) studies showing significant improvements in one or more ataxia scales in the placebo groups (n = 3); (2) studies reporting individual placebo responders with improvements in one or more ataxia scales in the placebo groups (n = 5)-the overall proportion of placebo responders was 31.9%; (3) studies showing mean changes in the direction of improvement in at least one ataxia scale in the placebo groups, though not statistically significant (n = 19); (4) studies showing no placebo response in any of the ataxia scales in the placebo groups (n = 4); (5) studies where data on the placebo groups were unavailable (n = 9). This review demonstrated the placebo response in patients with CAs on various objective ataxia scales. Our study emphasizes that the placebo response should be considered when designing, analyzing, and interpreting clinical trials and in clinical practice in CA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyun Choi
- Department of Neurology and Movement Disorder Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.,Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Chaewon Shin
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong-si, South Korea.,Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Han-Joon Kim
- Department of Neurology and Movement Disorder Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
| | - Beomseok Jeon
- Department of Neurology and Movement Disorder Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
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Yetkİn MF, GÜltekİn M. Efficacy and Tolerability of Interferon Gamma in Treatment of Friedreich's Ataxia: Retrospective Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 57:270-273. [PMID: 33354116 DOI: 10.29399/npa.25047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) is the most common form of autosomal recessive ataxia. The disease primarily results from a GAA trinucleotide repeat expansion within the FXN gene in up to 97% of patients. The clinical presentation begins approximately between the ages of 5 and 15. The major clinical findings of FRDA are progressive extremity and gait ataxia. Although it is known that the disease is caused by low levels of functional protein in the target tissues, there is no effective treatment available for this pathology. However, significant improvements have been achieved in the research into pharmacological treatments for FRDA in recent years. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) has been shown to induce frataxin production in many cell types. In this study, the clinical features, tolerability, and the prognosis of individuals with FRDA to whom IFN-γ was administered in a university hospital were evaluated retrospectively and the results were discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in our country to evaluate the effect of IFN gamma on this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fatih Yetkİn
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Murat GÜltekİn
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Abstract
The World Anti-Doping Agency is responsible for maintaining a Prohibited List that describes the use of substances and methods that are prohibited for athletes. The list currently contains 23 substance classes, and an important reason for the existence of this list is to prevent unfair competition due to pharmacologically enhanced performance. The aim of this review was to give an overview of the available evidence for performance enhancement of these substance classes. We searched the scientific literature through PubMed for studies and reviews evaluating the effects of substance classes on performance. Findings from double-blind, randomized controlled trials were considered as evidence for (the absence of) effects if they were performed in trained subjects measuring relevant performance outcomes. Only 5 of 23 substance classes show evidence of having the ability to enhance actual sports performance, i.e. anabolic agents, β2-agonists, stimulants, glucocorticoids and β-blockers. One additional class, growth hormone, has similar evidence but only in untrained subjects. The observed effects all relate to strength or sprint performance (and accuracy for β-blockers); there are no studies showing positive effects on reliable markers of endurance performance. For 11 classes, no well-designed studies are available, and, for the remaining six classes, there is evidence of an absence of a positive effect. In conclusion, for the majority of substance classes, no convincing evidence for performance enhancement is available, while, for the remaining classes, the evidence is based on a total of only 266 subjects from 11 studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam F Cohen
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333 CL, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Abstract
In mammals, erythropoietin (EPO), produced in the kidney, is essential for bone marrow erythropoiesis, and hypoxia induction of EPO production provides for the important erythropoietic response to ischemic stress, such as during blood loss and at high altitude. Erythropoietin acts by binding to its cell surface receptor which is expressed at the highest level on erythroid progenitor cells to promote cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation in production of mature red blood cells. In addition to bone marrow erythropoiesis, EPO causes multi-tissue responses associated with erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) expression in non-erythroid cells such neural cells, endothelial cells, and skeletal muscle myoblasts. Animal and cell models of ischemic stress have been useful in elucidating the potential benefit of EPO affecting maintenance and repair of several non-hematopoietic organs including brain, heart and skeletal muscle. Metabolic and glucose homeostasis are affected by endogenous EPO and erythropoietin administration affect, in part via EPOR expression in white adipose tissue. In diet-induced obese mice, EPO is protective for white adipose tissue inflammation and gives rise to a gender specific response in weight control associated with white fat mass accumulation. Erythropoietin regulation of fat mass is masked in female mice due to estrogen production. EPOR is also expressed in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and EPO administration in mice results in reduced bone independent of the increase in hematocrit. Concomitant reduction in bone marrow adipocytes and bone morphogenic protein suggests that high EPO inhibits adipogenesis and osteogenesis. These multi-tissue responses underscore the pleiotropic potential of the EPO response and may contribute to various physiological manifestations accompanying anemia or ischemic response and pharmacological uses of EPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Suresh
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Praveen Kumar Rajvanshi
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Constance T Noguchi
- Molecular Medicine Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Pathak D, Srivastava AK, Padma MV, Gulati S, Rajeswari MR. Quantitative Proteomic and Network Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins in PBMC of Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) Patients. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1054. [PMID: 31680804 PMCID: PMC6802492 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded (GAA) trinucleotide repeat in the FXN gene. The extended repeats expansion results in reduced transcription and, thereby, decreased expression of the mitochondrial protein, frataxin. Given the ongoing drug trials, identification of reliable and easily accessible biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and therapeutic intervention is a foremost requirement. In this study, comparative proteomic profiling of PBMC proteins from FRDA patients and age- and gender-matched healthy controls was done using 2D-Differential in-Gel Electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Protein–protein interaction (PPI) was analyzed using BioGRID and STRING pathway analysis tools. Using biological variance analysis (BVA) and LC/MS, we found eight differentially expressed proteins with fold change ≥1.5; p ≤ 0.05. Based on their cellular function, the identified proteins showed a strong pathological role in neuroinflammation, cardiomyopathy, compromised glucose metabolism, and iron transport, which are the major clinical manifestations of FRDA. Protein–protein network analysis of differentially expressed proteins with frataxin further supports their involvement in the pathophysiology of FRDA. Considering their crucial role in the cardiac and neurological complications, respectively, the two down-regulated proteins, actin α cardiac muscle 1 (ACTC1) and pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit β (PDHE1), are suggested as potential prognostic markers for FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Pathak
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Achal Kumar Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - M V Padma
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sheffali Gulati
- Department of Paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Moganty R Rajeswari
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, New Delhi, India
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15
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Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), the most common inherited ataxia, is caused by transcriptional silencing of the nuclear FXN gene, encoding the essential mitochondrial protein frataxin. Currently, there is no approved therapy for this fatal disorder. Gene silencing in FRDA is due to hyperexpansion of the triplet repeat sequence GAA·TTC in the first intron of the FXN gene, which results in chromatin histone modifications consistent with heterochromatin formation. Frataxin is involved in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and the assembly and transfer of iron-sulfur clusters to various mitochondrial enzymes and components of the electron transport chain. Frataxin insufficiency leads to progressive spinocerebellar neurodegeneration, causing symptoms of gait and limb ataxia, slurred speech, muscle weakness, sensory loss, and cardiomyopathy in many patients, resulting in death in early adulthood. Numerous approaches are being taken to find a treatment for FRDA, including excision or correction of the repeats by genome engineering methods, gene activation with small molecules or artificial transcription factors, delivery of frataxin to affected cells by protein replacement therapy, gene therapy, or small molecules to increase frataxin protein levels, and therapies aimed at countering the cellular consequences of reduced frataxin. This review will summarize the mechanisms involved in repeat-mediated gene silencing and recent efforts aimed at development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel M Gottesfeld
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA.
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Synofzik M, Puccio H, Mochel F, Schöls L. Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Ataxias: Paving the Way toward Targeted Molecular Therapies. Neuron 2019; 101:560-583. [PMID: 30790538 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal-recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCAs) comprise a heterogeneous group of rare degenerative and metabolic genetic diseases that share the hallmark of progressive damage of the cerebellum and its associated tracts. This Review focuses on recent translational research in ARCAs and illustrates the steps from genetic characterization to preclinical and clinical trials. The emerging common pathways underlying ARCAs include three main clusters: mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair, and complex lipid homeostasis. Novel ARCA treatments might target common hubs in pathogenesis by modulation of gene expression, stem cell transplantation, viral gene transfer, or interventions in faulty pathways. All these translational steps are addressed in current ARCA research, leading to the expectation that novel treatments for ARCAs will be reached in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hélène Puccio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404 Illkirch, France; INSERM, U1258, 67404 Illkirch, France; CNRS, UMR7104, 67404 Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Fanny Mochel
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC-Paris 6, UMR S 1127 and Inserm U 1127, and CNRS UMR 7225, and Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, 75013 Paris, France; Department of Genetics and Reference Centre for Adult Neurometabolic Diseases, AP-HP, La Pitié-Salpêtriere University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ludger Schöls
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany.
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17
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Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare neurological disorder due to deficiency of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Frataxin deficiency results in impaired mitochondrial function and iron deposition in affected tissues. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a cytokine which was mostly known as a key regulator of erythropoiesis until cumulative evidence showed additional neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. These features offered the rationale for advancement of EPO in clinical trials in different neurological disorders in the past years, including FRDA. Several mechanisms of action of EPO may be beneficial in FRDA. First of all, EPO exposure results in frataxin upregulation in vitro and in vivo. By promoting erythropoiesis, EPO influences iron metabolism and induces shifts in iron pool which may ameliorate conditions of free iron excess and iron accumulation. Furthermore, EPO signaling is crucial for mitochondrial gene activation and mitochondrial biogenesis. Up to date nine clinical trials investigated the effects of EPO and derivatives in FRDA. The majority of these studies had a proof-of-concept design. Considering the natural history of FRDA, all of them were too short in duration and not powered for clinical changes. However, these studies addressed significant issues in the treatment with EPO, such as (1) the challenge of the dose finding, (2) stability of frataxin up-regulation, (3) continuous versus intermittent stimulation with EPO/regimen, or (4) tissue changes after EPO exposure in humans in vivo (muscle biopsy, brain imaging). Despite several clinical trials in the past, no treatment is available for the treatment of FRDA. Current lines of research focus on gene therapy, frataxin replacement strategies and on regulation of key metabolic checkpoints such as NrF2. Due to potential crosstalk with all these mechanisms, interventions on the EPO pathway still represent a valuable research field. The recent development of small EPO mimetics which maintain cytoprotective properties without erythropoietic action may open a new era in EPO research for the treatment of FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Boesch
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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18
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Shirley Ding SL, Kumar S, Ali Khan MS, Ling Mok P. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expressing Erythropoietin Enhance Survivability of Retinal Neurons Against Oxidative Stress: An In Vitro Study. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:190. [PMID: 30108483 PMCID: PMC6079241 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a prominent feature in ocular disorders. In exploring possible treatments, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been recognized to yield therapeutic role for retinal degenerative diseases. Studies have also displayed that erythropoietin (EPO) administration into degenerative retina models confers significant neuroprotective actions in limiting pathological cell death. In this study, we aimed to use MSCs to deliver EPO and to evaluate the ability of EPO to rescue retinal neurons from dying upon reactive oxidative stress induction. We derived human MSCs from Wharton's jelly (hWJMSCs) of the umbilical cord and cells were transduced with lentivirus particles encoding EPO and a reporter gene of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The supernatants of both transduced and non-transduced cells were collected and used as a pre-conditioning medium for Y79 retinoblastoma cells (retinal neuron cell line) following exposure to glutamate induction. Retinal cells exposed to glutamate showed reduced mitochondrial depolarization and enhanced improvement in cell viability when incubated with pre-conditioned media of transduced cells. Our results established a proof-of-concept that MSCs could be used as a candidate for the delivery of EPO therapeutic gene in the treatment of retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suet Lee Shirley Ding
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Safwan Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Anwarul Uloom College of Pharmacy affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University-Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pooi Ling Mok
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Rummey
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Clinical Data Science GmbH, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Kichula
- Division of Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David R. Lynch
- Division of Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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20
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Tai G, Corben LA, Yiu EM, Milne SC, Delatycki MB. Progress in the treatment of Friedreich ataxia. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2018; 52:129-39. [PMID: 29499876 DOI: 10.1016/j.pjnns.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurological disorder affecting approximately 1 in 29,000 individuals of European descent. At present, there is no approved pharmacological treatment for this condition however research into treatment of FRDA has advanced considerably over the last two decades since the genetic cause was identified. Current proposed treatment strategies include decreasing oxidative stress, increasing cellular frataxin, improving mitochondrial function as well as modulating frataxin controlled metabolic pathways. Genetic and cell based therapies also hold great promise. Finally, physical therapies are being explored as a means of maximising function in those affected by FRDA.
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21
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvia Bösch
- Neurology Department, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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22
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23
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Miller JL, Rai M, Frigon NL, Pandolfo M, Punnonen J, Spencer JR. Erythropoietin and small molecule agonists of the tissue-protective erythropoietin receptor increase FXN expression in neuronal cells in vitro and in Fxn-deficient KIKO mice in vivo. Neuropharmacology 2017; 123:34-45. [PMID: 28504123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced levels of the mitochondrial protein frataxin (FXN). Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) increased FXN protein in vitro and in early clinical studies, while no published reports evaluate rhEPO in animal models of FA. STS-E412 and STS-E424 are novel small molecule agonists of the tissue-protective, but not the erythropoietic EPO receptor. We find that rhEPO, STS-E412 and STS-E424 increase FXN expression in vitro and in vivo. RhEPO, STS-E412 and STS-E424 increase FXN by up to 2-fold in primary human cortical cells and in retinoic-acid differentiated murine P19 cells. In primary human cortical cells, the increase in FXN protein was accompanied by an increase in FXN mRNA, detectable within 4 h. RhEPO and low nanomolar concentrations of STS-E412 and STS-E424 also increase FXN in normal and FA patient-derived PBMC by 20%-40% within 24 h, an effect that was comparable to that by HDAC inhibitor 4b. In vivo, STS-E412 increased Fxn mRNA and protein in wild-type C57BL6/j mice. RhEPO, STS-E412, and STS-E424 increase FXN expression in the heart of FXN-deficient KIKO mice. In contrast, FXN expression in the brains of KIKO mice increased following treatment with STS-E412 and STS-E424, but not following treatment with rhEPO. Unexpectedly, rhEPO-treated KIKO mice developed severe splenomegaly, while no splenomegaly was observed in STS-E412- or STS-E424-treated mice. RhEPO, STS-E412 and STS-E424 upregulate FXN expression in vitro at equal efficacy, however, the effects of the small molecules on FXN expression in the CNS are superior to rhEPO in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Miller
- STATegics, Inc., 428 Oakmead Pkwy, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA.
| | - Myriam Rai
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, CP601, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus Erasme, CP601, Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Juha Punnonen
- STATegics, Inc., 428 Oakmead Pkwy, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA
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24
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Strawser C, Schadt K, Hauser L, McCormick A, Wells M, Larkindale J, Lin H, Lynch DR. Pharmacological therapeutics in Friedreich ataxia: the present state. Expert Rev Neurother 2017; 17:895-907. [PMID: 28724340 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1356721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive, inherited, neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no cure or approved treatment. FRDA is caused by deficits in the production and expression of frataxin, a protein found in the mitochondria that is most likely responsible for regulating iron-sulfur cluster enzymes within the cell. A decrease in frataxin causes dysfunction of adenosine triphosphate synthesis, accumulation of mitochondrial iron, and other events leading to downstream cellular dysfunction. Areas covered: Therapeutic development for FRDA currently focuses on improving mitochondrial function and finding ways to increase frataxin expression. Additionally, the authors will review potential approaches aimed at iron modulation and genetic modulation. Finally, gene therapy is progressing rapidly and is being explored as a treatment for FRDA. Expert commentary: The collection of multiple therapeutic approaches provides many possible ways to treat FRDA. Although the mitochondrial approaches are not thought to be curative, as the primary frataxin deficit will remain, they may still produce improvements in quality of life and slowing of progression. Therapies aimed at frataxin restoration are more likely to truly modify the disease, with gene therapy as the best possibility to alter the course of the disease from both a cardiac and neurological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Schadt
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Lauren Hauser
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | | | - McKenzie Wells
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Jane Larkindale
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Hong Lin
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - David R Lynch
- a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA , USA
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Marsili A, Puorro G, Pane C, de Rosa A, Defazio G, Casali C, Cittadini A, de Michele G, Florio BE, Filla A, Saccà F. Stability of erythropoietin repackaging in polypropylene syringes for clinical use. Saudi Pharm J 2017; 25:290-293. [PMID: 28344481 PMCID: PMC5355549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Epoetin alfa (Eprex®) is a subcutaneous, injectable formulation of short half-life recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). To current knowledge there are no published studies regarding the stability of rHuEPO once repackaging occurs (r-EPO) for clinical trial purposes. Materials and methods: We assessed EPO concentration in Eprex® and r-EPO syringes at 0, 60, 90, and 120 days after repackaging in polypropylene syringes. R-EPO was administered to 56 patients taking part in a clinical trial in Friedreich Ataxia. Serum EPO levels were measured at baseline and 48 h after r-EPO administration. Results: No differences were found between r-EPO and Eprex® syringes, but both globally decreased in total EPO content during storage at 4 °C. Patients receiving r-EPO had similar levels in EPO content as expected from previous trials in Friedreich Ataxia and from pharmacokinetics studies in healthy volunteers. Discussion: We demonstrate that repackaging of EPO does not alter its concentration if compared to the original product (Eprex®). This is true both for repackaging procedures and for the stability in polypropylene tubes. The expiration date of r-EPO can be extended from 1 to 4 months after repackaging, in accordance with pharmacopeia rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Marsili
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Puorro
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Pane
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna de Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Antonio Cittadini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe de Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Aranca TV, Jones TM, Shaw JD, Staffetti JS, Ashizawa T, Kuo SH, Fogel BL, Wilmot GR, Perlman SL, Onyike CU, Ying SH, Zesiewicz TA. Emerging therapies in Friedreich's ataxia. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2016; 6:49-65. [PMID: 26782317 DOI: 10.2217/nmt.15.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited, progressive neurodegenerative disease that typically affects teenagers and young adults. Therapeutic strategies and disease insight have expanded rapidly over recent years, leading to hope for the FRDA population. There is currently no US FDA-approved treatment for FRDA, but advances in research of its pathogenesis have led to clinical trials of potential treatments. This article reviews emerging therapies and discusses future perspectives, including the need for more precise measures for detecting changes in neurologic symptoms as well as a disease-modifying agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya V Aranca
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Tracy M Jones
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Jessica D Shaw
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Joseph S Staffetti
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida Department of Neurology, FL, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Brent L Fogel
- Department of Neurology, Neurogenetics Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, CA, USA
| | | | - Susan L Perlman
- Ataxia and Huntington Disease Center of Excellence, University of California, CA, US
| | - Chiadi U Onyike
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine MD, USA
| | - Sarah H Ying
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA.,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA
| | - Theresa A Zesiewicz
- University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center, Department of Neurology, FL, USA.,James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, FL, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich ataxia is a rare inherited autosomal recessive neurological disorder, characterised initially by unsteadiness in standing and walking, slowly progressing to wheelchair dependency usually in the late teens or early twenties. It is associated with slurred speech, scoliosis, and pes cavus. Heart abnormalities cause premature death in 60% of people with the disorder. There is no easily defined clinical or biochemical marker and no known treatment. This is the second update of a review first published in 2009 and previously updated in 2012. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of pharmacological treatments for Friedreich ataxia. SEARCH METHODS On 29 February 2016 we searched The Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL Plus. On 7 March 2016 we searched ORPHANET and TRIP. We also checked clinical trials registers for ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of pharmacological treatments (including vitamins) in people with genetically-confirmed Friedreich ataxia. The primary outcome was change in a validated Friedreich ataxia neurological score after 12 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in cardiac status as measured by magnetic resonance imaging or echocardiography, quality of life, mild and serious adverse events, and survival. We excluded trials of duration shorter than 12 months. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three review authors selected trials and two review authors extracted data. We obtained missing data from the two RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We collected adverse event data from included studies. We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We identified more than 12 studies that used antioxidants in the treatment of Friedreich ataxia, but only two small RCTs, with a combined total of 72 participants, both fulfilled the selection criteria for this review and published results. One of these trials compared idebenone with placebo, the other compared high-dose versus low-dose coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E (the trialists considered the low-dose medication to be the placebo). We identified two other completed RCTs, which remain unpublished; the interventions in these trials were pioglitazone (40 participants) and idebenone (232 participants). Other RCTs were of insufficient duration for inclusion.In the included studies, the primary outcome specified for the review, change in a validated Friedreich ataxia rating score, was measured using the International Co-operative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). The results did not reveal any significant difference between the antioxidant-treated and the placebo groups (mean difference 0.79 points, 95% confidence interval -1.97 to 3.55 points; low-quality evidence).The published included studies did not assess the first secondary outcome, change in cardiac status as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Both studies reported changes in cardiac measurements assessed by echocardiogram. The ejection fraction was not measured in the larger of the included studies (44 participants). In the smaller study (28 participants), it was normal at baseline and did not change with treatment. End-diastolic interventricular septal thickness showed a small decrease in the smaller of the two included studies. In the larger included study, there was no decrease, showing significant heterogeneity in the study results; our overall assessment of the quality of evidence for this outcome was very low. Left ventricular mass (LVM) was only available for the smaller RCT, which showed a significant decrease. The relevance of this change is unclear and the quality of evidence low.There were no deaths related to the treatment with antioxidants. We considered the published included studies at low risk of bias in six of seven domains assessed. One unpublished included RCT, a year-long study using idebenone (232 participants), published an interim report in May 2010 stating that the study reached neither its primary endpoint, which was change in the ICARS score, nor a key cardiological secondary endpoint, but data were not available for verification and analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Low-quality evidence from two small, published, randomised controlled trials neither support nor refute an effect from antioxidants (idebenone, or a combination of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E) on the neurological status of people with Friedreich ataxia, measured with a validated neurological rating scale. A large unpublished study of idebenone that reportedly failed to meet neurological or key cardiological endpoints, and a trial of pioglitazone remain unpublished, but on publication will very likely influence quality assessments and conclusions. A single study of idebenone provided low-quality evidence for a decrease in LVM, which is of uncertain clinical significance but of potential importance that needs to be clarified. According to low-quality evidence, serious and non-serious adverse events were rare in both antioxidant and placebo groups. No non-antioxidant agents have been investigated in RCTs of 12 months' duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kearney
- Irish College of General PractitionersGeneral PracticeDunlavinCounty WicklowIreland
| | - Richard W Orrell
- University College London Institute of NeurologyDepartment of Clinical NeurosciencesRoyal Free CampusRowland Hill StreetLondonUKNW2 3PF
| | - Michael Fahey
- Monash UniversityDepartment of PaediatricsClaytonVictoriaAustralia3168
| | - Ruth Brassington
- National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryMRC Centre for Neuromuscular DiseasesPO Box 114LondonUKWC1N 3BG
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de BruxellesNeurology DepartmentRoute de Lennik 808BrusselsBelgium1070
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Kiss K, Csonka C, Pálóczi J, Pipis J, Görbe A, Kocsis GF, Murlasits Z, Sárközy M, Szűcs G, Holmes CP, Pan Y, Bhandari A, Csont T, Shamloo M, Woodburn KW, Ferdinandy P, Bencsik P. Novel, selective EPO receptor ligands lacking erythropoietic activity reduce infarct size in acute myocardial infarction in rats. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:62-70. [PMID: 27521836 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to protect the heart against acute myocardial infarction in pre-clinical studies, however, EPO failed to reduce infarct size in clinical trials and showed significant safety problems. Here, we investigated cardioprotective effects of two selective non-erythropoietic EPO receptor ligand dimeric peptides (AF41676 and AF43136) lacking erythropoietic activity, EPO, and the prolonged half-life EPO analogue, darbepoetin in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats. In a pilot study, EPO at 100U/mL significantly decreased cell death compared to vehicle (33.8±2.3% vs. 40.3±1.5%, p<0.05) in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes subjected to simulated ischemia/reperfusion. In further studies (studies 1-4), in vivo AMI was induced by 30min coronary occlusion and 120min reperfusion in male Wistar rats. Test compounds and positive controls for model validation (B-type natriuretic peptide, BNP or cyclosporine A, CsA) were administered iv. before the onset of reperfusion. Infarct size (IS) was measured by standard TTC staining. In study 1, 5000U/kg EPO reduced infarct size significantly compared to vehicle (45.3±4.8% vs. 59.8±4.5%, p<0.05). In study 2, darbepoetin showed a U-shaped dose-response curve with maximal infarct size-reducing effect at 5μg/kg compared to the vehicle (44.4±5.7% vs. 65.9±2.7%, p<0.01). In study 3, AF41676 showed a U-shaped dose-response curve, where 3mg/kg was the most effective dose compared to the vehicle (24.1±3.9% vs. 44.3±2.5%, p<0.001). The positive control BNP significantly decreased infarct size in studies 1-3 by approximately 35%. In study 4, AF43136 at 10mg/kg decreased infarct size, similarly to the positive control CsA compared to the appropriate vehicle (39.4±5.9% vs. 58.1±5.4% and 45.9±2.4% vs. 63.8±4.1%, p<0.05, respectively). This is the first demonstration that selective, non-erythropoietic EPO receptor ligand dimeric peptides AF41676 and AF43136 administered before reperfusion are able to reduce infarct size in a rat model of AMI. Therefore, non-erythropoietic EPO receptor peptide ligands may be promising cardioprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Kiss
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - Csaba Csonka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - János Pálóczi
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - Judit Pipis
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - Anikó Görbe
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - Gabriella F Kocsis
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - Zsolt Murlasits
- Pharmahungary Group, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Sports Science Program, Qatar University, Doha 00974, Qatar.
| | - Márta Sárközy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - Gergő Szűcs
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | | | - Yijun Pan
- Affymax, Inc., 4015 Miranda Ave Fl 1, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| | - Ashok Bhandari
- Affymax, Inc., 4015 Miranda Ave Fl 1, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| | - Tamás Csont
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
| | - Mehrdad Shamloo
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, 1050 Arastradero Road, Building A, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| | - Kathryn W Woodburn
- Affymax, Inc., 4015 Miranda Ave Fl 1, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States; Avalanche Biotechnologies, 1035 O'Brien Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States.
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Nagyvarad ter 4, Budapest H-1089, Hungary.
| | - Péter Bencsik
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, University of Szeged, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Dom ter 9, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
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Costantini A, Laureti T, Pala MI, Colangeli M, Cavalieri S, Pozzi E, Brusco A, Salvarani S, Serrati C, Fancellu R. Long-term treatment with thiamine as possible medical therapy for Friedreich ataxia. J Neurol 2016; 263:2170-2178. [PMID: 27488863 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a cofactor of fundamental enzymes of cell energetic metabolism; its deficiency causes disorders affecting both the peripheral and central nervous system. Previous studies reported low thiamine levels in cerebrospinal fluid and pyruvate dehydrogenase dysfunction in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). We investigated the effect of long-term treatment with thiamine in FRDA, evaluating changes in neurological symptoms, echocardiographic parameters, and plasma FXN mRNA levels. Thirty-four consecutive FRDA patients have been continuously treated with intramuscular thiamine 100 mg twice a week and have been assessed with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) at baseline, after 1 month, and then every 3 months during treatment. Thiamine administration ranged from 80 to 930 days and was effective in improving total SARA scores from 26.6 ± 7.7 to 21.5 ± 6.2 (p < 0.02). Moreover, deep tendon reflexes reappeared in 57 % of patients with areflexia at baseline, and swallowing improved in 63 % of dysphagic patients. Clinical improvement was stable in all patients, who did not show worsening even after 2 years of treatment. In a subgroup of 13 patients who performed echocardiogram before and during treatment, interventricular septum thickness reduced significantly (p < 0.02). Frataxin mRNA blood levels were modestly increased in one-half of treated patients. We suppose that a focal thiamine deficiency may contribute to a selective neuronal damage in the areas involved in FRDA. Further studies are mandatory to evaluate thiamine role on FXN regulation, to exclude placebo effect, to verify our clinical results, and to confirm restorative and neuroprotective action of thiamine in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Costantini
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, "Villa Immacolata" Clinic, Strada Sammartinese 65A, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Laureti
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Tuscia, Via del Paradiso 47, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Maria Immacolata Pala
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, "Villa Immacolata" Clinic, Strada Sammartinese 65A, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marco Colangeli
- University Studies Abroad Consortium, University of Tuscia, Via Santa Maria in Gradi 4, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Simona Cavalieri
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Pozzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Sandro Salvarani
- Unit of Neurology, ASL3 Villa Scassi Hospital, Corso O. Scassi 1, 16149, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Serrati
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS San Martino University Hospital IST, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Fancellu
- Unit of Neurology, ASL3 Villa Scassi Hospital, Corso O. Scassi 1, 16149, Genoa, Italy. .,Unit of Neurology, IRCCS San Martino University Hospital IST, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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30
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Khemiri H, Maresca M, Gestreau C. Carbamylated erythropoietin enhances mice ventilatory responses to changes in O2 but not CO2 levels. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2016; 232:1-12. [PMID: 27317882 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) has beneficial tissue-protective effects in several diseases but erythrocytosis may cause deleterious effects in EPO-treated patients. Thus carbamylated-EPO (C-EPO) and other derivatives retaining tissue-protective but lacking bone marrow-stimulating actions have been developed. Although EPO modulates ventilatory responses, the effects of C-EPO on ventilation have not been investigated. Here, basal breathing and respiratory chemoreflexes were measured by plethysmography after acute and chronic treatments with recombinant human C-EPO (rhC-EPO; 15,000 IU/kg during 5days) or saline (control group). Hematocrit, plasma and brainstem rhC-EPO levels were also quantified. Chronic rhC-EPO significantly elevated tissue rhC-EPO levels but not hematocrit. None of the drug regimen altered basal ventilation (normoxia). Chronic but not acute rhC-EPO enhanced hyperoxic ventilatory depression, and sustained the hypoxic ventilatory response mainly via a reduction of the roll-off phase. By contrast, rhC-EPO did not blunt the ventilatory response to hypercapnia. Thus, chronic C-EPO may be a promising therapy to improve breathing during hypoxia while minimizing adverse effects on cardiovascular function.
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31
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Shirley Ding SL, Leow SN, Munisvaradass R, Koh EH, Bastion MLC, Then KY, Kumar S, Mok PL. Revisiting the role of erythropoietin for treatment of ocular disorders. Eye (Lond) 2016; 30:1293-1309. [PMID: 27285322 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2016.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone conventionally thought to be responsible only in producing red blood cells in our body. However, with the discovery of the presence of EPO and EPO receptors in the retinal layers, the EPO seems to have physiological roles in the eye. In this review, we revisit the role of EPO in the eye. We look into the biological role of EPO in the development of the eye and the physiologic roles that it has. Apart from that, we seek to understand the mechanisms and pathways of EPO that contributes to the therapeutic and pathological conditions of the various ocular disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, optic neuritis, and retinal detachment. With these understandings, we discuss the clinical applications of EPO for treatment of ocular disorders, modes of administration, EPO formulations, current clinical trials, and its future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Shirley Ding
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - S N Leow
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - R Munisvaradass
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - E H Koh
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M L C Bastion
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - K Y Then
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - P L Mok
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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32
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Marcotulli C, Fortuni S, Arcuri G, Tomassini B, Leonardi L, Pierelli F, Testi R, Casali C. GIFT-1, a phase IIa clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of IFNγ administration in FRDA patients. Neurol Sci 2016; 37:361-4. [PMID: 26621361 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-015-2427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia is an autosomal recessive progressive degenerative disorder caused by deficiency of the protein frataxin. The most common genetic cause is a homozygotic expansion of GAA triplets within intron 1 of the frataxin gene leading to impaired transcription. Preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that interferon gamma (IFNγ) is able to up-regulate the expression of frataxin gene in multiple cell types. We designed a phase IIa clinical trial, the first in Italy, aimed at assessing both safety and tolerability of IFNγ in Friedreich's patients and ability to increase frataxin levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Nine patients (6 female and 3 males aged 21-38 years) with genetically confirmed disease were given 3 subcutaneous escalating doses (100, 150 and 200 μg) of IFNγ (human recombinant interferon 1 b gamma, trade name IMUKIN(®)), over 4 weeks. The primary end-point was the assessment of the safety and tolerability of IFNγ by means of standard clinical and hematological criteria. The secondary end-point was the detection of changes of frataxin levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after each single escalating dose of the drug. IFNγ was generally well tolerated, the main adverse event was hyperthermia/fever. Although, increases in frataxin levels could be detected in a minority of patients, these changes were not significant. A large phase III multicenter, randomized clinical trial with IFNγ in Friedreich's ataxia patients is currently ongoing. This study is expected to conclusively address the clinical efficacy of IFNγ therapy in patients with Friedreich's ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Marcotulli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-University of Rome "Sapienza", V. dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fortuni
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Arcuri
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tomassini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Leonardi
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-University of Rome "Sapienza", V. dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Testi
- Laboratory of Immunology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-University of Rome "Sapienza", V. dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
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33
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Saccà F, Puorro G, Marsili A, Antenora A, Pane C, Casali C, Marcotulli C, Defazio G, Liuzzi D, Tatillo C, Cambriglia DM, Schiano di Cola G, Giuliani L, Guardasole V, Salzano A, Ruvolo A, De Rosa A, Cittadini A, De Michele G, Filla A. Long-term effect of epoetin alfa on clinical and biochemical markers in friedreich ataxia. Mov Disord 2016; 31:734-41. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.26552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Giorgia Puorro
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Angela Marsili
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Antonella Antenora
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Chiara Pane
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies; University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - Christian Marcotulli
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies; University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs; University of Bari; Bari Italy
| | - Daniele Liuzzi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs; University of Bari; Bari Italy
| | - Chiara Tatillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Donata Maria Cambriglia
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schiano di Cola
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Luigi Giuliani
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guardasole
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Andrea Salzano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Antonio Ruvolo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Anna De Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Antonio Cittadini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences, Odontostomatological and Reproductive Sciences; University Federico II; Naples Italy
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Abstract
IFN-γ-1b is currently US FDA approved as an orphan drug for the treatment of chronic granulomatous disease and severe malignant osteopetrosis. It is administered via subcutaneous injection and is a potential therapy for Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), a rare degenerative neurological condition. Ongoing Phase II and III trials in both adults and children with FRDA were preceded by a small Phase I, open-label trial in children that showed that IFN-γ-1b was reasonably well-tolerated and improved overall neurological function as measured by the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale after 12 weeks of treatment, though the primary outcome measure of frataxin level showed no improvement. Although there is an established dose of IFN-γ-1b prescribed for the current indications, the efficacy and tolerability of these dose levels in the FRDA population remains the subject of ongoing investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie Wells
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lauren Seyer
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kimberly Schadt
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David R Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics & Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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35
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Seyer L, Greeley N, Foerster D, Strawser C, Gelbard S, Dong Y, Schadt K, Cotticelli MG, Brocht A, Farmer J, Wilson RB, Lynch DR. Open-label pilot study of interferon gamma-1b in Friedreich ataxia. Acta Neurol Scand 2015; 132:7-15. [PMID: 25335475 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/AIMS This is an open-label trial of the safety of interferon gamma-1b (IFN-γ) and its effect on frataxin levels and neurologic measures in 12 children with Friedreich ataxia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Interferon gamma-1b was administered via subcutaneous injection three times weekly. The dose increased from 10 to 50 mcg/m(2) during the first four weeks and then remained at 50 mcg/m(2) for final eight weeks. Safety assessments included laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, and monitoring of adverse events. The primary efficacy outcome measure was frataxin level in whole blood. Secondary measures included frataxin levels in multiple tissues, frataxin mRNA levels, Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) scores and other neurologic evaluations. Statistical analyses were performed via SAS and STATA. RESULTS Interferon gamma-1b was well tolerated with no serious adverse events, and only two subjects reporting severe adverse events and subsequent dose reductions. Small but significant changes in frataxin levels were observed in red blood cells, PBMC, and platelets after 12 weeks of treatment. However, the magnitude of change was small and varied between tissues. Mean improvement in FARS score was equivalent to roughly 18 months of disease progression after 12 weeks of treatment (P = 0.008). No other statistically significant changes were observed. No statistically significant relationships were observed between frataxin protein levels, FARS scores, and in vivo IFN-γ levels. CONCLUSIONS Interferon gamma-1b improved FARS scores without a clear relationship to changes in frataxin levels. Larger, longer placebo-controlled trials including biochemical assessments in affected tissues are necessary to evaluate fully the efficacy and utility of IFN-γ in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Seyer
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N Greeley
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D Foerster
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Strawser
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Gelbard
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Y Dong
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K Schadt
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M G Cotticelli
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A Brocht
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - J Farmer
- Friedreich Ataxia Research Alliance, Downingtown, PA, USA
| | - R B Wilson
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D R Lynch
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Penn Medicine/CHOP Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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36
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Abrahão A, Pedroso JL, Braga-Neto P, Bor-Seng-Shu E, de Carvalho Aguiar P, Barsottini OGP. Milestones in Friedreich ataxia: more than a century and still learning. Neurogenetics 2015; 16:151-60. [PMID: 25662948 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-015-0439-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is the most common autosomal recessive ataxia worldwide. This review highlights the main clinical features, pathophysiological mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches for FRDA patients. The disease is characterized by a combination of neurological involvement (ataxia and neuropathy), cardiomyopathy, skeletal abnormalities, and glucose metabolism disturbances. FRDA is caused by expanded guanine-adenine-adenine (GAA) triplet repeats in the first intron of the frataxin gene (FXN), resulting in reduction of messenger RNA and protein levels of frataxin in different tissues. The molecular and metabolic disturbances, including iron accumulation, lead to pathological changes characterized by spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia atrophy, dentate nucleus atrophy without global cerebellar volume reduction, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. DNA analysis is the hallmark for the diagnosis of FRDA. There is no specific treatment to stop the disease progression in FRDA patients. However, a number of drugs are under investigation. Therapeutic approaches intend to improve mitochondrial functioning and to increase FXN expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agessandro Abrahão
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 650 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, 04039-002, SP, Brazil,
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37
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Ding J, Li QY, Yu JZ, Wang X, Lu CZ, Ma CG, Xiao BG. The lack of CD131 and the inhibition of Neuro-2a growth by carbamylated erythropoietin. Cell Biol Toxicol 2015; 31:29-38. [PMID: 25656842 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-015-9292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), a glycohormone, is one of the leading biopharmaceutical products, while carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO), an EPO derivative, is attracting widespread interest due to its neuroprotective effects without erythropoiesis in several cells and animal models. However, exogenous EPO promotes an angiogenic response from tumor cells and is associated with tumor growth, but knowledge of CEPO on tumor growth is lacking. Here we show that CEPO, but not EPO, inhibited Neuro-2a growth and viability. As expected, CEPO--unlike EPO--did not activate JAK-2 either in primary neurons or in Neuro-2a cells. Interestingly, CEPO did not induce GDNF expression and subsequent AKT activation in Neuro-2a cells. Before CEPO/EPO treatment, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) neutralization and GFR receptor blocking decreased the viability of EPO-treated Neuro-2a cells but did not influence CEPO-treated Neuro-2a cells. As compared to primary neurons, the expression of CD131, as a receptor complex binding to CEPO, is almost lacking in Neuro-2a cells. In BABL/C-nu mice, CEPO did not promote the growth of Neuro-2a cells nor extended the survival time compared to mice treated with EPO. The results indicate that CEPO did not promote tumor growth because of lower expression of CD131 and subsequent dysfunction of CD131/GDNF/AKT pathway in Neuro-2a cells, revealing its therapeutic potential in future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ding
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, 200040, Shanghai, China
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Kellner CH, Adams DA, Benferhat A. Further improving the cognitive effect profile of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): the case for studying carbamylated erythropoietin. Med Hypotheses 2015; 84:258-61. [PMID: 25649853 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective acute treatment for severe depression and several other psychiatric illnesses. However, its use has been limited by concerns about cognitive adverse effects. ECT may cause temporary cognitive impairment in some patients, typically anterograde amnesia for 1-2 weeks after a course of treatment, and circumscribed retrograde amnesia. These cognitive effects largely disappear within days to weeks after treatment. Efforts to find a pharmacological agent to reduce the cognitive effects of ECT have largely been unsuccessful, with the possible exception of thyroid hormone. We review the literature on pharmacological attempts to attenuate ECT's cognitive effects, and propose a novel neuroprotective and neurotrophic agent, carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO), for this indication.
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